Differences between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001

An important difference between ISO 45001 and OHSAS 18001 is that it is in line with other ISO standards used in many organizations for management systems, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. This is because ISO 45001 based on ISO High Level Structure, the uniform main structure for all ISO standards. The ISO 45001 health and safety management system therefore fits well with other ISO management system standards.

Another difference between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001 is that certification to OHSAS 18001 is a requirement of the standard, but certification to ISO 45001 is not a requirement. But of course an ISO 45001 certification is very useful to demonstrate that you meet its criteria.

Is your organization already certified according to OHSAS 18001 and would you like to know which steps to take to make the transition to ISO 45001? Please contact Piet Poortman, Lead Auditor at Kiwa via the contact form on this page.